Systematization of Kichwa ethnobiological knowledge for monitoring the pink dolphin Inia geoffrensis (Cetartiodactyla: Iniidae) south of Yasuní National Park, Ecuador

Abstract

In the Ecuadorian Amazon, pollution, increased river traffic and captures negatively affect pink dolphin populations. Most studies of this species come from the north-east of the country, while their current situation in the central Amazon is unknown. This work provides new data on pink dolphin populations located south of Yasuní National Park, based on the ethnobiological knowledge of the Kichwa people of Kawsak Sacha. Thirty-three people from six Kichwa communities provided novel unpublished data on pink dolphins from interviews conducted in 2021, including local names, observed group sizes, diet, how they are valued and existing threats. South of Yasuní National Park, dolphins are frequently sighted (one to five individuals per sighting) in the Curaray and Pintoyacu rivers, at the mouths of secondary rivers, and some lagoons. The interviewees have a positive perception towards the presence of these cetaceans in their communities and recognise different values, considering them as indicators of good ecosystem quality, guardian spirits, and with potential importance for tourism.  Although the species has been protected in this Kichwa territory since 2005 and has never been hunted, there are occasional reports of hunting by foreign fishermen in the border area of Curaray and Pintoyacu rivers. Similarly, the decline of certain fish species, identified as the main prey of the pink dolphin in the area by those interviewed, are two serious threats that may compromise the future conservation of this species.